‘CAD/CAM helps complete the job quickly and with precision’

Assyst-Bullmer technology has incorporated user-friendly features in CAD/CAM. Mr R Selvan, techncial director, Mehala Machines India highlights some of the advantages of the German technology in an interview with Sudha Swaminathan

What are the advantages of CAD/CAM machines?

The time consumed and the chance for errors in manual pattern making and cutting is more. In manual cutting, there will be a difference from one piece to another. A computer-aided machine helps complete the job quickly and with precision. For instance, with one CAD system, one cutter and two fabric spreaders with three tables of 20 m, 60,000 pieces of undergarments can be cut in eight hours with less than ten people. The same, if done manually would require 40-50 people. Moreover the working area required for 40-50 people will be huge.

Could you highlight the features of Assyst-Bullmer system?

Even as the CAD/CAM machines were available for a long time, there were not much takers as the operational features were complex. Assyst-Buller has rightly addressed this need and all the operational tools are very simple and user friendly that anyone can operate the machine. The quality - technology and metallurgy - is very good. Moreover, the machine is maintenance free.

Assyst-Bullmer cutting machine is equipped with 7.5 cm cutting height for higher productivity as more layers can be cut in a single cut. The power consumption (14 KW) is very low compared to that of machines by other competitors. The maximum cutting speed is 90m/minute and effective cutting speed of upto 20m/minute gives more productivity. The spare parts are available locally and users need not depend on the company for spare parts. While other brands of spreaders have less capacity, Assyst-Bullmer speader comes with a capacity of 100 kg which means less loading and unloading and better productivity. The spreading speed at 120m/minute is also high compared to other brands. Fabric roll diameter of 500mm gives flexibility of production planning besides enhanced production. The machine is provided with a zizag device with movable and fixed end catchers to accommodate open fabric.